The Demko Knives AD 20.5 Shark Cub Knife: Disassembly and Quick Review

[@rong.9130]

I always wanted an AD 20.5 just to experience that lock, but I was put off by the thickness and weight, as well as the pinkie guard. They fixed all of that, and I love my Shark Cub. That blade isn't much thicker than a TRM, definitely lives up to the Slicer Shark name.

[@AriMWeinstein]

I own one of these with black aluminum scales, and I like it a lot! Great blade size, nice thin body, very good in the pocket, solid for its overall size. Helpful to see the disassembly Nick!

[@brianreinbold2055]

Going from .125" to .098" blade stock is a pretty significant difference when it comes slicing performance.

[@cody3078]

It’s a huge difference considering the blade of the cub is only a tiny bit shorter

[@buckaroobunnyslippers]

Having had the full size AD 20.5 Shark Foot, and loved the design but felt the blade stock was too thick and the total weight a little heavy, the Shark Cub Slicer felt like the perfect compromise. It disappears in the pocket, has a super useful blade that actually slices, and has a full grip handle for medium-sized hands.

[@romancraig001]

that spring just landed on my desk

[@cody3078]

I have this exact DLT version and I absolutely love it! Probably the best secondary carry in my collection.

[@bobb.9917]

YEAH! Just got mine this afternoon @$170! 😮 DLT 24-hour sale. Perfect size with a deep-carry clip already installed! GREAT knife!

[@jasonbruchmiller4580]

Ordered mine on the 1st day of DLT's Black Friday/Christmas deals for $169. Should be here any day. Couldn't pass up that deal. I work in a federal building so I appreciate the sub 3" blade with a full handle. Kinda surprised you didn't mention the obvious difference of blade stock thickness between the 20.5 and the cub. For quick cutting tasks it really is my preferred choice.

[@bobb.9917]

I did the same as you. Got mine yesterday. It’s fantastic!

[@noahsteward787]

It instantly makes me happy when I see a nick review on a knife im interested in. Think I will snag the stealth reverse tux version

[@mstuehler]

Always great to get a new Nick Shabazz video! Thank you Nick! Really appreciate your thoughts on this knife. Personally, I really like it, but one thing you didn't mention... because the blade stock is thinner, you have less surface area on your index finger when you're pulling back the lock, so it actually made the tip of my finger a little sore, if you're the type of person who fidgets with the knife... Two reviews I'm hoping you'll do soon... the TRM bulldog, and any of the new pivot locks from Reate or Vosteed. Thanks for all you do, and Happy Thanksgiving!

[@turtelz217]

Awesome, just got this exact knife. I love it.

[@sloanNYC]

Nice! So hard to get knives under 3" (Los Angeles knife laws) that feel full size.

[@Luis_fmo]

As a data point: I actually like that the difference in size comes mostly from a shorter blade. 1) It allows a similar grip to the bigger 20.5 at the same time that 2) it puts the blade length uncontroversially below 3 inches which is important to some folks because of state laws, even if that's irrelevant for me. The aluminum version I have is also almost a full ounce lighter and significantly thinner than my grivory 20.5. So another two dimensions that make the difference more significant. But maybe this doesn't apply to DTL's titanium model. It's become my favorite knive to carry since I got it! 😀

[@henrywendt7373]

great review nick, would love to hear your thoughts on the flytanium arcade due to its similar nature to the demko folders.

[@Nkdc333]

Can you add a jump to post assembly thoughts in the future?

[@BluetoothBlades]

Demko makes great knives.

[@catfishonetwo3]

You and some of the other knifetube community should do a series about the soul of knifes. There is something about a knife that has a good “feel”/soul that you cant always put into everything even if it is a “flawless“ knife. Sometimes the “perfect “ knifes seem too sterile. I was thinking about stuff like victorinox not even close to perfect but we all love them. Or how ugly Spyderco is yet we can’t put them down.

[@Tregrense]

Well put.

[@paullmight42]

Exxon shabazz never disappoints

[@alexandermcalpine]

Great design! I had problems with the 20cv though.

[@jad1019]

What problems?

[@alexandermcalpine]

@@jad1019 Well the edge was burnt. It's just starting to get better, but it's still not where 20cv should be. I returned it and demko re-sharpened it. It came back to me, still cutting poorly (not keeping an edge). After maybe 5 more sharpening's (from me, 600-grit starts) it is starting to hold an edge. It's a great knife, but I've had to take a lot of life out of the blade.

[@MrOkieChef]

That little piece missing off the end of the knife makes all the difference to those of us with larger hands.

[@ranman1959]

I have the slicer blade Ti Cub from DLT and a smoke Ultem shark foot Cub. I think they feel much smaller and lighter than my AD20.5s. I love the thinness of the Cub. The only complaint I have is that sharp tip on the lock.

[@Diazjake]

How the heck do you stop the textured version chewing the crap out of your pockets?

[@JBlakeS23]

Ah yes, the man that convinced me to convince my wife to buy expensive nonsense knives. Genuinely glad to see you posting content, Nick.

[@scottmersereau4816]

Does anyone know if any aftermarket clips or scales will fit the FRN budget version?

[@norrisfong6445]

What's the best way to get the knife out of that plastic box without destroying it?

[@NickShabazz]

The two halves of the box slide apart from each other, just pull.

[@norrisfong6445]

@NickShabazz thanks. I knew that but it's not very easy. At least for me. The trm boxes are superior. A slight twist disengages the notches.

[@the_knights_edge]

Love my 20.5

[@rhinosaur.]

The AD20.5 is a great design, but the blade to handle ratio isn't one of its best attributes. With the Cub, it really becomes noticeable. Not a fatal flaw though. It's still a good design.

[@artemkanarchist]

I feel so seen, I also can't find peace because of this Wampum PA inscription on the pivot contradicting what the blade says...

[@noahsteward787]

never have bought a demko but im strongly considering it, it has been nagging at me for a while

[@joelhansen7373]

While it is made in Taiwan , it was designed in Pennsylvania. To me, that’s as important as where it’s being manufactured.

[@RyanJohnson-k7d]

Demko has a smaller knife coming out that is made in Taiwan. The Nano 22.

[@RyanJohnson-k7d]

Looks to be thicker blade stock (20cv) and is significantly smaller than the cub.

[@davidmarshall7752]

Wasn't *Hardness Poke* a 1950s western movie star ?

[@unknownriderinbound]

Now it's a good day!

[@carlosm.osorio2208]

Awesome!!!

[@t8858x]

What is your tool for the screws?

[@t8858x]

And, do you re-apply loctite on the screws and pivots everytime you clean/disassemble?

[@jagpilotohio]

Demko is based in PA. The knife is designed in PA. I don’t find that particular gripe valid.

[@unknownartist47]

If a knife was designed, assemble,and sharpened in USA I don’t see a problem with a note on that.👌

[@4d4mko]

Hopefully there will be a V2 without that aweful clip standoff and more blade... And minimum T8 screws!!!

[@rabbivj]

Demko makes some good stuff but the shark cub blade profile isn’t really for me tbh…

[@ProfessionalNoodler]

There are three different blade profiles of the cub if you don’t like the sheepsfoot. But I feel you. I’m not a huge fan of my fullsize sheepsfoot either. Would’ve been happier with the drop point.

[@rabbivj]

@ yeah all the demkos I own are drop point. Tho I’m looking at the harpoon point too

[@andyhayward1261]

Damn nick you must be losing your touch 😂 (just kidding)!you didn’t even mention the fact that the cub has way way thinner blade stock and consequently is a much better slicer than the 20.5! That alone makes me choose the cub over the 20.5 anyday!

[@DersNoNem]

Finally, linerless Demko knive...

[@Whiteys_knife_obsession]

Demko has the nano cub now. Shorter and chunkier

[@jj9936]

Demko should do a fckng full flat grind with this shark cub or hollow grind because i love it but the edge is thick 😢

[@TP_Str3ngth]

Please bring terrible knives live back!!!!!!!!

[@platypus1287]

Just got the same model for 120

[@aldogonzalezc]

11:07 that’s what she said

[@obsceneXerror]

Literally didn't flick the knife open once... Why?

[@charlesholland6851]

Good news I guess. Nano shark is coming and it looks to be tiny

[@iamgroot4080]

They've lost me at the spring lock. Blade shape is useless. And the idea of me purchasing this knife and need to finish it by myself is ridiculous. I'm behind You Mr. Nick all the way on this one

[@kjreames]

I can't figure out why these are popular. The lump on the spine does not look comfortable

[@HunchoJames-x]

If someone can get me one hit me up im trying to find one

[@Tregrense]

I always enjoy your reviews Nick. "Size" is always a matter of opinion but dimensions are simply exact. More actual measurements please. Taiwan is geographically close to China but ideologically close to the US? Yada? I like the blade to handle ratio of this model. I'm all about proportions.

[@speckledjim_]

And today's Shabbaz word of the day is.........

[@bobb.9917]

Nick…🛑 STOP 🛑 your cryin'!!! The knife is substantially smaller, thinner and it is a GREAT SIZE!!!! 😮 😎 👉🏼😂

[@Youtube-Censorship-Police]

substantially? did we watch the same video?

[@bobb.9917]

@@KZbin-Censorship-PoliceI have BOTH in my hands. It is substantially smaller…and more important …it is a perfect size….smaller would have ruined it. Also Nick failed to mention that the blade stock is waaaay thinner…making it slicier, the action on the new knife is considerably better than the larger version and the included deep-carry clip is fantastic compared to the supplied clip on the AD 20.5. I am extremely happy that I bought one! I love BOTH knives. DLT had a 24-hr sale and I picked mine up for $170.

[@charles-griffin]

@@bobb.9917same on the discount. Im not sure how much overall thickness is thinner nor do i have my ad20 yet but this knife disappears in my pocket. I genuinely dont feel it and thats the only reason itll get more edc time. Thats me putting it against vero, herman, the dawn, emp edc nymble, a good few others. Once my ad20s comes though i think theyll get equal time and im gonna move my other knives bc i dont collect anymore just use what feels good and i use daily.

[@michaelthrelkeld212]

Honestly I think it has better ergonomics than the larger one and yes it is larger than the cub.

[@onceuponareset-ho7fg]

T6 body screws are just awful. Do better Demko Knives.

[@dmarcellus]

Way too much oil, it will collect dirt/dust.

[@David_Grun]

Please get back to old format. Disassembling is not very interesting.